CENTENNIAL — Nathan MacKinnon bounded up the steps to the Avalanche’s weight-training room after his first practice Sunday and gave one of those looks made by newcomers to Colorado that says, “Man, that altitude.”

He may have been doing that out of false modesty, however. There was nothing about MacKinnon’s initial showing at the Family Sports Center to suggest he’s not in good enough shape for the mile-high elevation.

MacKinnon clearly was the fastest player on the ice the first day of the Avs’ three-day rookie camp. Not that anyone looked slow.

“There was definitely some good pace out there,” said MacKinnon, 18, the first pick in this year’s NHL draft. “I still need to get used to the altitude some, though. I’m used to playing at sea level, so it’s definitely an adjustment.”

MacKinnon, the most valuable player of this year’s Memorial Cup tournament for champion Halifax of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, started preparing for the thin Denver air by training in the even thinner air of Vail a week ago.

His personal trainer, Calgary, Alberta-based Andy O’Brien, conducted a fitness camp in Vail for clients who include the Avs’ Matt Duchene and John Tavares of the New York Islanders.

MacKinnon also has acclimated himself to sports culture in this state. He attended the Broncos’ season opener Thursday night.

“That was pretty amazing. The fans are nuts for the Broncos,” he said.

“He looked exactly as we’ve seen him. It’s exciting to see him on the ice. He’s just a great addition for us,” Billington said of MacKinnon.

Roy has said MacKinnon will center the Avs’ third line, playing with Jamie McGinn and Steve Downie. MacKinnon isn’t going to burden himself with too many thoughts of how he will have to play such a role. The first order of business is to have a good camp and officially make the team, which no one doubts he will.

“I’ll just work as hard as I possibly can and hope that takes care of the rest,” MacKinnon said. Hishon update. The only disappointment on the opening day of camp was the absence of Joey Hishon. The 2010 first-round draft pick, who has dealt with concussion problems for most of the last two years, has a groin injury and will be evaluated again Monday.